The Association of Media and Communication Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Media and Communication Studies of Tamale Technical University (TaTU), has held the maiden Dr. Paul Achonga Memorial Lecture to honour the legacy of the late former Head of Department and media scholar.
Held on the theme, “Honouring Paul Achonga: Truth, Trust and the Fight Against Fake News,” the lecture brought together university management, lecturers, students, media practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on Dr Achonga’s enduring contribution to journalism, media education and ethical communication.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Inspector-General of Schools (General Service) at the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), Dr. Ayisha Gomda, described journalism as a public trust and urged practitioners to remain steadfast in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Drawing on Dr. Achonga’s research on fake news in Ghana, she said misinformation is often fuelled by political, economic and technological factors, citing the 2020 general elections and the COVID-19 pandemic as periods when false information spread rapidly.
She challenged student journalists to regard themselves as frontline defenders of truth, noting that their work on campus and social media already influences public opinion.
“They must verify information before publication and place accuracy above speed,” she stressed.
Dr. Gomda also urged universities to strengthen media and information literacy while promoting ethical journalism among students to better equip them for an increasingly digital media landscape.
She further advised aspiring journalists to remain curious, verify every piece of information, use artificial intelligence responsibly, safeguard their credibility and always put the public interest ahead of personal popularity.
“Public trust remains the greatest asset of every journalist,” she said, adding that Dr. Achonga’s life and work should inspire a new generation of media professionals to uphold truth, fairness, accountability and integrity in the fight against fake news and AI-driven misinformation.
Paying tribute to the late academic, the Head of the Department of Media and Communication Studies, Prof. Balica Braimah, described Dr. Achonga as a hardworking and selfless scholar who dedicated his career to mentoring young people and advancing the department.
He revealed that the late lecturer played a leading role in developing the proposal that led to the introduction of the Bachelor of Technology programme in Media and Communication Studies at the university.
A posthumous citation was presented to Dr. Achonga’s widow in recognition of his outstanding service to the university and the media profession.
Organisers said the annual memorial lecture seeks to preserve Dr. Achonga’s legacy while inspiring future journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethical and responsible journalism.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Abubakari Sadiq Righteous
